A prayer from Peter Greig, shared by Allen Burris:
God of Israel, Lord of all nations, Prince of Peace, we cry out to you today for the frightened, hurting people of Israel and Gaza - these very lands you know so well.
First, we pray with all our hearts for those grieving the sudden loss of loved ones, those who’ve been captured, and those whose homes have suddenly been destroyed. “A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more.’ Mat. 2:18
Second, we pray for a miraculous de-escalation of this dangerous conflict. Terrible things have been done, hundreds have died and thousands are in hospital. Many are suddenly grieving, but we pray that reason would reduce retribution and that mercy would somehow prevail over judgement. May Israel’s military response be decisive and proportionate, and may other nations with a vested interest in escalating this crisis somehow be restrained. “He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, ‘Quiet! Be still!’ Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.” Mark 4:39
Finally, we pray for active and effective peacemaking at an international political level. May the measured voices of diplomacy prevail over warmongering on every side.
“Jesus said: ‘Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” Mat 5:7.